Coach Not Leaving WWE

Reports stating that WWE announcer Jonathan Coachman had signed a contract to join ESPN appear to be unfounded. Dave Nagle, a representative of ESPN, issued the following statement to SLAM! Sports to put an end to the rumors: "all I can say is that these 'rumors' are untrue...we do not have a signed deal. There is nothing more to say." Rumors regarding Coachman's departure began soon after Mick Foley replaced Coachman as the SmackDown color commentator at the Backlash pay-per-view two weeks ago. Internet reports started circulating and they said that Coachman had signed a contract with ESPN for an anchor position.

Jim Ross posted a new blog on his website today and he's saying that Jonathan Coachman has not signed with ESPN, contrary to several online reports. Ross wrote: "Jonathan Coachman has not signed a contract with ESPN contrary to what may have been reported elsewhere. As I write this, Coach is still employed by the WWE and is still doing projects for the MSG Network. Will Coach eventually migrate to ESPN? Who knows, he would be a great fit there, but as of today he has not made any commitment to do so."